Buckle system

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a buckle arrangement for a backpack comprising at least 4 interlocking buckle components, each of the components being respectively attached to a strap attached to the backpack, wherein each of the buckle components is provided with means for at least indirect interlocking independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, the arrangement being such that a first component is provided with means for at least indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a second component wherein the first and second components are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps, which straps in turn are attached to a same first side of the backpack, and the first component is further provided with means for at least indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a fourth component, wherein the fourth component is attached to a strap which in turn is attached to a second side of the backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap of the first component, whereby the 4 components are adapted to be at least indirectly interconnected and two diagonally attached components are adapted to be independently released, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from Israeli Patent Application Serial Numbers 186,537, filed Oct. 10, 2007 and 192,639, filed Jul. 6, 2008, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for expedient buckling of backpack straps.

More particularly, the present invention provides a buckle arrangement which allows a backpack wearer to buckle backpack straps in any of a plurality of different arrangements, said arrangement being dependent on load-distribution and backpack positioning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There have been various attempts to accommodate the needs of backpack wearers, and one of the buckles that offers some flexibility is the Rock Lockster® line of male-and-female engaging buckles, which includes Swivi Lockster® that allows for swiveling of the elements relative to each other. Tri Lockster® is a 3-point buckle which allows for the buckling of straps in a Y-shape configuration, as well as for quickly disengaging the buckle with a simple, one-hand operation. The buckles in the prior art provide some advantages in improving the wearability of the backpack and webbing, but whatever functionality the buckles do offer, they fail to afford to the wearers of the gear, significant freedom in adjusting the load on the shoulders, as necessitated by the nature of the trip or work.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to obviate the disadvantages of prior art buckles and to provide a buckle arrangement which would allow a wearer the ability to buckle the straps in any of a plurality of alternative configurations that suit the nature of the work, and alleviate the load on the shoulders of the wearer.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a buckle arrangement that would allow for the orthopedically correct loading of the backpack on the spine of the wearer. It is also an object of the invention to provide the wearer with a buckle arrangement that would engage and disengage easily and quickly.

The present invention achieves the above objects by providing a buckle arrangement for a backpack comprising at least 4 interlocking buckle components, each of said components being respectively attached to a strap attached to said backpack, wherein each of said buckle components is provided with means for at least indirect interlocking independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, the arrangement being such that a first component is provided with means for at least indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a second component wherein said first and second components are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps, which straps in turn are attached to a same first side of said backpack, and said first component is further provided with means for at least indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a fourth component, wherein said fourth component is attached to a strap which in turn is attached to a second side of said backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap of said first component, whereby said 4 components are adapted to be at least indirectly interconnected and two diagonally attached components are adapted to be independently released, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention said buckle arrangement further comprises a fifth component provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with each of said 4 buckle components and serving as an intermediate connecting means between said buckle components.

In other preferred embodiments of the present invention there is provided a buckle arrangement for a backpack comprising at least 4 interlocking components, each of the components being respectively attached to a strap attached to the backpack, wherein each of the buckle components is provided with means for interlocking, independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, the arrangement being such that a first component is provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with a second component wherein the first and second components are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps which straps in turn are attached to a same first side of the backpack, and the first component is further provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with a fourth component wherein the fourth component is attached to a strap which in turn is attached to a second side of the backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap of the first component, whereby the 4 components are adapted to be interconnected and two diagonally attached components are adapted to be independently released, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a buckle arrangement for a backpack wherein a third component is provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with the fourth component wherein the third and fourth components are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps which straps in turn are attached to a same second side of the backpack, and the third component is further provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with the second component wherein the second component is attached to a strap which in turn is attached to a first side of the backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap of the third component, whereby the 4 components are adapted to be interconnected and two diagonally attached components are adapted to be independently released, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a buckle arrangement for a backpack wherein a first component is provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with the other components, wherein the first and second component are attached to a same side of the backpack, and wherein the third and fourth component are attached to a second side of the backpack, and wherein the 4 components are adapted to be interconnected, and wherein the first and the second components are adapted to be released from the third and the fourth components, thereby leaving the first component interconnected with the second component, and the third component interconnected with the fourth component.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a buckle arrangement wherein each of the buckle components is provided with two separate means for interlocking independent releasable engagement with engagement means provided on two other buckle components wherein the means on each of the buckle components are arranged with an acute angle therebetween.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a buckle arrangement wherein each of the buckle components is provided with two separate means for interlocking independent releasable engagement, with engagement means provided on three other buckle components wherein the means on each of the buckle components are arranged so as to allow for all four buckle components to mutually engage and form a disengageable united assembly.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a buckle arrangement wherein each of the buckle components is generally planar, and when engaged to another buckle component, thereby forms a planar, disengageable assembly.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a buckle arrangement wherein the means for interlocking independent releasable engagement, each include two flexibly depressible elements for releasing the component from an engagement to a means for interlocking of an buckle component on an adjoining component, wherein the releasing is effected by depressing a first flexibly depressible element disposed on the means, releasably engaging the adjoining component.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided buckle arrangement where each of the flexible elements are disposed within the plane of the buckle components, and is flexibly depressible inward into a plane of the buckle component.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided buckle arrangement where each of the flexible elements are disposed within the plane of the buckle components, and is flexibly depressible generally along a line perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the buckle component.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a buckle arrangement wherein the means for interlocking independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, includes a portion of a male-and-female releasable assembly.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a buckle arrangement wherein only one of the four buckle components contains the means for interlocking independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, wherein the means is a female portion of a male-and-female releasable assembly.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a buckle arrangement wherein only one of the four buckle components contains the means for interlocking independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, wherein the means is a male portion of a male-and-female releasable assembly.

Yet further embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter.

In contradistinction to prior art, the present invention is a buckle of sufficiently simple design that allows for expedient buckling and unbuckling of backpack straps according to the maximum possible configurations.

As will be realized and as will be understood more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings and the description thereof, the present invention enables the utilization of a 4-way buckle for backpacks according to several strap configurations, while allowing for a quick and easy change in configuration, as well as engagement and disengagement of the buckle.

A special advantage of the buckle arrangement of the present invention is that it allows for the wearing of the backpack in at least four different configurations, wherein in a first configuration, a first pair of linearly aligned buckles attach to a pair of spaced apart straps, which straps in turn are attached to a same first side of said backpack, are interconnected, as is the arrangement in a normal backpack; in a second configuration, all four buckle components are interconnected to each other for maximum support; in a third configuration, only a first diagonal pair of components are connected to each other for a right-handed sling like arrangement; and in a fourth configuration, only the second diagonal pair of components are connected to each other for a left-handed sling like arrangement.

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood.

With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the assembly according to the present invention; all straps being seen disengaged;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a totally disengaged buckle;

FIG. 3 is a view of the buckle components interconnected and forming an integral buckle arrangement according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view of a first pair of diagonally opposed buckle components interconnected according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view of a second pair of diagonally opposed buckle components interconnected according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view of a parallel configuration of buckle components interconnected in a parallel configuration according to the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a detailed view of the engagement area between two buckle components showing a typical means for interlocking independent releasable engagement according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the buckle disconnected components and forming an integral, planar buckle according to the present invention;

FIG.8 is a schematic view of an assembled buckle;

FIG. 9 is a view of a buckle component showing an alternative disposition thereon of two flexibly depressible elements according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a typical view of a fourth buckle component showing means for interlocking independent releasable engagement according to the present invention;

FIG. 11. is a schematic view of a disconnected component of the buckle; and

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the embodiment seen in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is seen a buckle arrangement for a backpack comprising at least 4 interlocking buckle components, 112, 122, 132 and 142, each of said components being respectively attached to one of the backpack straps 113, 123, 133 and 143, attached to said backpack (not shown), wherein each of said buckle components 112, 122, 132, 142 is adapted for indirect interlocking independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, the arrangement being such that a first component 112 is provided with means for at least indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a second component 122 wherein said first and second components 112 and 122 are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps 113 and 123, which straps in turn are attached to a same first side of said backpack (not shown), and said first component 112 is further adapted for indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a fourth component 142, wherein said fourth component 142 is attached to a strap 143 which in turn is attached to a second side of said backpack (not shown), at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap 113 of said first component 112, whereby said 4 components 112, 122, 132 and 142, are adapted to be at least indirectly interconnected by means of a central fifth component 110 as described hereinafter, and two diagonally attached components 112 and 142 are adapted to be independently released, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components 122 and 132.

Thus in FIG. 1 there is seen a buckle arrangement for a backpack further comprising a fifth component 110 provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with each of said 4 buckle components 112, 122, 132 and 142 and serving as an intermediate connecting means between said buckle components.

Thus as seen, four buckle components, 112, 122, 132, 142 are each attached to one of the backpack straps 113,123 133 or 143. In the present embodiment each of said buckle components is provided with means for indirect interlocking independent releasable engagement by means of a central fifth component 110. The component 110 has four connection sockets 140 distributed around its perimeter, only one of which sockets 140 is visible in the drawing. Any or all of the four buckle components, 112, 122, 132, 142 can thus be inserted and removably held. Release of any of the four buckle components is effected by pressing the buttons 117, 118.

The arrangement seen is such that a first component 132 is provided with means for indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a second component 142. The first and second components 132, 142 are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps, which straps in turn are attached to a first side of the backpack (not shown), The first component 132 is further provided with means for indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a fourth component 122. The fourth component 122 is attached to a strap 123 which in turn is attached to a second side of said backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap of first component 132.

When plugged in to the central component 110 all 4 buckle components 112, 122, 132, 142 are indirectly interconnected. Two diagonally attached components are adapted to be independently released from the component 110, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components.

Thus the central fifth component 110 provided has means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with each of said 4 buckle components and serves as an intermediate connecting means between the 4 buckle components 112, 122, 132, 142.

The buckle arrangement for a backpack seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrates direct connection and comprises 4 interlocking components and does not require a central component such as was seen at 110 in FIG. 1. Each of the buckle components 10, 20, 30, 40 is respectively attached to a strap 12, 22, 32, and 42, which in turn is attached to the backpack (not shown).

Each of the buckle components 10, 20, 30, 40 is provided with male/female means 50, 52 for direct interlocking, and independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components. The arrangement is such that a first component 30 is provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with three adjacent components 10, 20 and 40.

The first and second component 30, 40 are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps 32, 42 which straps in turn are attached to a same first side of the backpack. The second component 40 is further provided with means 50, 52 for independent interlocking releasable engagement to all three remaining components. The fourth component 20 is attached to a strap 22 which in turn is attached to a second side of the backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap 32 of the first component 30.Thus the 4 components 10, 20, 30, 40 are adapted to be interconnected and two diagonally attached components 20, 30 are adapted to be independently released, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components 10, 40.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is seen a direct contact buckle arrangement for a backpack wherein a third component 10 is provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with the fourth component 40 The third and fourth component 10, 40 are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps 12, 42 which straps in turn are attached to a same second side of the backpack.

The third component 30 is further provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with the second component 20.

The fourth component 40 is attached to a strap 42 which in turn is attached to a first side of the backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap 32 of the third component 30.

Thus the 4 components are adapted to be interconnected and two diagonally attached components are adapted to be independently released, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components, the second pair of which is seen in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment having a buckle arrangement wherein a fourth component 40 is provided with means 50, 52 for independent interlocking releasable engagement with the other components.

The straps 12, 22 from the first and second components 10, 20 are attached to a same side of the backpack, and the straps 32 42 of the third and fourth components 30 40 are attached to a second side of the backpack.

All 4 components are adapted to be interconnected. The first and the second components 10 20 are adapted to be released from the third and the fourth components 20 40.

An example of an engagement arrangement 50 and 52 between two buckle components 10 and 20 is seen in FIG. 6A. Detail 25 shows an arrow-like male projection 50 of the buckle component 20 as seen in a locked, engaged state. A suitable cavity 52 is disposed internally in the buckle component 10. Prior to the reaching of the fully engaged, locked state, the projection 50 is inserted into the cavity 52 past the locking point of the resilient symmetrical lip 28.

In FIG. 7 there are seen buckle components 10, 20, 30 and 40, each being provided with the two separate means, 14 and 16, 24 and 26, 34 and 36, as well as 44 and 46, respectively, for interlocking independent releasable engagement with two other buckle components, wherein the means on each of the buckle components are arranged with an acute angle therebetween, shown typically by the angle between the symmetrically opposed surfaces disposed on each of said buckle components.

The means 14, 16, 24, 26, 34, 36, 44, and 46 also allow for all four buckle components to mutually engage and form a disengageable united assembly, as seen in FIG. 3, wherein the united assembly has a generally planar shape.

In FIG. 8 there is seen a buckle component 10, wherein for operating the means 14 and 16, shown in FIG. 6, there are disposed thereon two flexibly depressible elements 56 and 54 for releasing the component 10 from an engagement to an adjoining component, wherein the releasing is effected by depressing one of the flexibly depressible elements 56 and 54 disposed next to the adjoining component.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9, each of the flexible elements, such as the elements 56 and 54, are disposed within the plane of said buckle component 10, and is flexibly depressible inward into a plane of said buckle component.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10 each of the flexible elements is disposed within the plane of said buckle components, and is flexibly depressible generally along a line perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said buckle component.

In FIG. 11 there is seen a buckle component 50 wherein each of the means 64 and 66 includes a portion of a male-and-female releasable assembly.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, each of the means 64 and 66 is a female portion of a male-and-female releasable assembly.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, each of the means 64 and 66 is a male portion of a male-and-female releasable assembly.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the components 10 and 40 are adapted to be independently released from each other and the components 20 and 30 are adapted to be simultaneously released from each other, thereby leaving linear connections between the components 10 and 20 and the components 30 and 40.

As FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the embodiment seen in FIG. 1, some additional components are visible which have not been previously described.

150 a and 150 b are release catches which retain the components 112, 122 132 142 until downward pressure transmitted by the actuators 117, 118 causes release of at least one of the four components 112, 122, 132, 142. The components 157 and 158 form a lower portion of the central housing.

The components 157 and 158 form a lower portion of the central housing.

Part 154 is a connector between components 157 and 110 and components 158 and 130 and their attached parts. Part 156 is a linking means to limit the movement of part 154.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments and that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A buckle arrangement for a backpack comprising at least 4 interlocking buckle components, each of said components being respectively attached to a strap attached to said backpack, wherein each of said buckle components is provided with means for at least indirect interlocking independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, the arrangement being such that a first component is provided with means for at least indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a second component wherein said first and second components are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps, which straps in turn are attached to a same first side of said backpack, and said first component is further provided with means for at least indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a fourth component, wherein said fourth component is attached to a strap which in turn is attached to a second side of said backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap of said first component, whereby said 4 components are adapted to be at least indirectly interconnected and two diagonally attached components are adapted to be independently released, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components.
 2. A buckle arrangement for a backpack according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth component provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with each of said 4 buckle components and serving as an intermediate connecting means between said buckle components.
 3. A buckle arrangement for a backpack according to claim 1 comprising at least 4 interlocking components, each of the components being respectively attached to a strap attached to the backpack, wherein each of the buckle components is provided with means for interlocking, independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, the arrangement being such that a first component is provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with a second component wherein the first and second components are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps which straps in turn are attached to a same first side of the backpack, and the first component is further provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with a fourth component wherein the fourth component is attached to a strap which in turn is attached to a second side of the backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap of the first component, whereby the 4 components are adapted to be interconnected and two diagonally attached components are adapted to be independently released, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components.
 4. A buckle arrangement for a backpack according to claim 3, wherein a third component is provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with said fourth component, wherein said third and fourth components are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps, which straps in turn are attached to a same second side of said backpack, and said third component is further provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with said second component, wherein said second component is attached to a strap which in turn is attached to a first side of said backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment point of the strap of said third component, whereby said 4 components are adapted to be interconnected and two diagonally attached components are adapted to be independently released, thereby leaving a diagonal interconnection between the two remaining components.
 5. A buckle arrangement for a backpack according to claim 3, wherein a first component is provided with means for independent interlocking releasable engagement with the other components, wherein said first and second components are attached to a same side of said backpack, and wherein said third and fourth components are attached to a second side of said backpack, and wherein said 4 components are adapted to be interconnected, and wherein said first and said second components are adapted to be released from said third and said fourth components, thereby leaving said first component interconnected with said second component, and said third component interconnected with said fourth component.
 6. A buckle arrangement according to claim 3, wherein each of said buckle components is provided with two separate means for interlocking independent releasable engagement, with engagement means provided on two other buckle components, wherein said means on each of said buckle components are arranged with an acute angle therebetween.
 7. A buckle arrangement according to claim 3, wherein each of said buckle components is provided with two separate means for interlocking independent releasable engagement, with engagement means provided on three other buckle components, wherein said means on each of said buckle components are arranged so as to allow for all four buckle components to mutually engage and form a disengageable united assembly.
 8. A buckle arrangement according to claim 7, wherein each of said buckle components is generally planar, and when engaged to another buckle component, thereby forms a planar, disengageable assembly.
 9. A buckle arrangement according to claim 3, wherein said means for interlocking independent releasable engagement, each includes two flexibly depressible elements for releasing said component from an engagement to a means for interlocking a buckle component on an adjoining component, wherein said releasing is effected by depressing a first flexibly depressible element disposed on said means, releasably engaging said adjoining component.
 10. A buckle arrangement according to claim 9, wherein each of said flexible elements is disposed within the plane of said buckle components, and is flexibly depressible inward into a plane of said buckle component.
 11. A buckle arrangement according to claim 9, wherein each of said flexible elements is disposed within the plane of said buckle components, and is flexibly depressible generally along a line perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said buckle component.
 12. A buckle arrangement according to claim 3, wherein said means for interlocking, independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components includes a portion of a male-and-female releasable assembly.
 13. A buckle arrangement according to claim 3, wherein only one of the four buckle components contains said means for interlocking independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, wherein said means is a female portion of a male-and-female releasable assembly.
 14. A buckle arrangement according to claim 3, wherein only one of the four buckle components contains said means for interlocking independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, wherein said means is a male portion of a male-and-female releasable assembly.
 15. A buckle arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said first and fourth components are adapted to be independently released from each other and said second and third components are adapted to be simultaneously released from each other, thereby leaving linear connections between said first and second components and said third and fourth components. 